E'town moves toward ban on outdoor wood boilers

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August 28, 2009

By ALVIN REINER The Press Republican Fri Aug 28, 2009, 11:28 PM EDT

ELIZABETHTOWN — The Elizabethtown Town Council intends to implement a ban on outdoor wood-burning devices within the hamlet area.

People who already have the boilers in place may continue to operate them.

As outlined in the proposed law, the ban is for "securing and promoting the public health, comfort, safety, welfare and prosperity of the town and its inhabitants."

Permits issued before the proposed law will be regulated and checked by the code-enforcement officer who can make a determination to suspend a permit, "based on any documentary evidence submitted, site inspections, his personal knowledge, interview with persons involved, of any other information he reasonably considers to be relevant."

The town code officer may confer with the public health officer to make a determination.

During its recent meeting, the Town Council voted to change the start date to Sept. 15, due to possible cooler weather.

Councilman Joe Martin gave a dissenting opinion as to the ban.

"I think it is a shame as the new devices may be a clean as a wood stove."

Supervisor Noel Merrihew countered, "We have hammered out and worked on this and have a workable document."

A public hearing on the proposed law is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Town Hall.

At the same meeting, councilors discussed wastewater treatment and the ninth hole at the Cobble Hill Golf Course.

SEWAGE TREATMENT
River Street resident James Dawson inquired as to the steps necessary to present a petition concerning the placement of the proposed wastewater-treatment facility, so the town could go forward with a vote.

The council informed him that another meeting will take place and a vote involving taxpaying property owners will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Town Hall.

Before the vote, an informational meeting will be held.

GOLF COURSE
The council discussed the problems associated with the ninth hole on the Cobble Hill Golf Course, which the town owns. The fairway runs parallel to Route 9, and there are many instances of balls landing in the road or on the property of Adirondack Chevrolet, which is situated across the highway.

Not only are flying and bouncing balls a hazard to passing motorists, but cars at the dealership have been routinely hit, causing dents and cracked windows

The problem has been exacerbated over the years due to technology that allows for longer drives, as well as golfers not holding themselves accountable for hitting the vehicles, even though they may be covered on their homeowner's insurance.

Possible solutions are making the hole a par 3 instead of par 4, putting up a high net or relocating the ninth hole. The latter would necessitate approval from the APA.

other business
In other business:

  The furnace in the Town Hall has been replaced, and there are plans to add another 275-gallon oil tank.

  The council approved $250 to have an estimate done for possible repairs for the stained-glass windows at the Town Hall.

  Since the Volunteer Fire Department members all have pagers, fire sirens will no longer sound between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

  The Elizabethtown Youth Commission will start its Biddy Soccer Program Sept. 5.

The next scheduled council meeting will be 7 p.m. Sept. 16, after the meeting on outdoor wood burning.

E-mail Alvin Reiner at: rondackrambler@yahoo.com